Gauthier also led the team with 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 12 Stanley Cup Playoff games. It was Anaheim's (43-33-6) first season clinching a playoff berth since 2017-18.
“We are pleased to get Cutter signed to a long-term deal and have him in camp on time,” Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek said. “He’s a major part of our young core, a pure goal-scoring talent that will continue progressing into an elite NHL player.”
Selected by the Philadelphia Flyers with the No. 5 pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, Gauthier was traded to the Ducks for defenseman Jamie Drysdale and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft on Jan. 8, 2024.
As a rookie with the Ducks in 2024-25, Gauthier had 44 points (20 goals, 24 assists) in 82 games.
“This is a very exciting day for my family and me,” Gauthier said. “I’m so pleased to be able to sign long term with the Ducks and be part of what I believe is a great future.”
Gauthier's contract comes on the heels of a busy offseason for the Ducks, who signed Leo Carlsson to a five-year, $90 million contract ($18 million average annual value) on July 9 after the team matched an offer sheet that was tendered to the 21-year-old center by the Flyers on July 3.
Anaheim also signed defenseman Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year contract on July 5, and forward A.J. Greer, who was acquired in a trade with the Florida Panthers, to a four-year contract on July 1.
Then last Thursday, the Ducks terminated the contract of forward Chris Kreider just one day after placing him on unconditional waivers. Kreider had one season remaining on the seven-year, $45.5 million contract ($6.5 million AAV) he signed with the New York Rangers on Feb. 24, 2020.
